Knicks still playing Mitchell Robinson waiting game after long-awaited injury update

As the clock nears zero on the only public timeline provided by the Knicks for Mitchell Robinson’s recovery, Tom Thibodeau revealed for the first time that the center has been “running, jumping — doing all that stuff” but is still awaiting clearance for contact. 

Twice previously, Thibodeau said he expected Robinson would be back practicing in January. 

“I think there’s two days left so we’re hopeful,” a smiling Thibodeau said before Wednesday’s game against the Nuggets. 

Asked if it were seriously still an option for Robinson to practice in the following two days, Thibodeau deflected while preaching patience. 

“Look, he’s doing well, really well,” the coach said. “I’m trusting the medical people. When he’s cleared, he’s cleared. We’re not gonna rush it, we’re gonna be patient. We’re just gonna take it step by step. Whether it’s this week, next week, the week after — wherever it falls, it falls. But we want him completely healthy before we can put him back out there.” 

Robinson’s left ankle injury and recovery have been cloaked in mystery.